The dramatic effect of Ben
Nevis, Britain's highest mountain, is emphasised by the fact that it begins its
rise from sea level on the shores of Loch Linnhe, to tower 4,406ft (1,344m)
above the town of Fort William, providing an almost paternal presence.

What does ''Nevis''
mean? The river and glen running past the mountain both carry the name, as does
the remote sea loch at Knoydart, 40 miles to the west. In Gaelic the mountain's
name, Beinn Nibheis, has been linked with Irish and Gaelic words meaning
poisonous or terrible, implying a fairly ominous character.